Geographie / Geography (B.Sc.)

Characteristic of the subject is its function at the interface between the natural sciences and the humanities where "space" or the "spatial perspective" form the binding element. Thus during their studies learners concern themselves with elements from natural sciences (e.g. climate, vegetation and soil) and at the same time with social and economic aspects (population geography, economic geography and urban geography, etc). You will learn about maps as a key communication medium and geographic information systems (GIS) as a key analytical tool in geography. You will develop an understanding of the spatial interactions between individual areas in the form of human-environment relationships.

What will I learn?

During your studies, you will first learn about the two major areas of physical geography and human geography. Human geography deals with the relationship between geographical spaces and their functionality. It can be divided into sub-disciplines such as settlement, economic, transport, population, social and political geography. Physical geography provides you with the descriptive inventory for the nature of geographical spaces. It can be divided into sub-disciplines such as geomorphology, climate, vegetation, hydro and soil geography. In addition to these two areas, spatial planning (regional, municipal) is also recognised as a separate field in conjunction with urban geography as part of human geography.

For practical work the geographers need a wide selection of methodological knowledge and techniques. The subject-specific study content ranges from cartography, Geographic information systems (GIS) and remote sensing, empirical social research techniques and applied statistics, laboratory analyses and field exercises. As a spatial science, geography would not be complete without field trips, where theoretical knowledge is transferred to real spaces.

What is the Giessen Model?

This course of study is intended to instruct the students in basic, professionally qualifying skills and at the same time create the foundation for in-depth academic work in the Masters and doctoral courses. The core of the new concept in the “Giessen model of Geography” is formed through the thorough integration of training in methodology and the teaching of geographical knowledge in so-called "project modules" (see below "Composition of degree programme").

Theoretical principles are applied to specific practical problems, which are solved in teamwork using the methods required for this purpose. This effectively promotes both the employability of graduates and their basic scientific understanding. In this way, we qualify you for key positions in solving current challenges such as climate adaptation, mobility and energy transition. In addition, the Giessen model offers a unique space for innovations in problem-based and research-oriented teaching and learning. For example, we can flexibly train students to use artificial intelligence critically and responsibly in project-based studies.

What makes Giessen special?

Studying in Giessen means studying in a popular city – where you can still live affordably. Giessen is one of the cities with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants in Germany where the 18 to 35 age group is growing steadily at the fastest rate. The city has the highest number of students per inhabitant in Germany. This is no coincidence: Giessen is part of the economically dynamic and culturally diverse Frankfurt metropolitan region. Giessen also has a significantly lower cost of living than many other university locations and, in addition to its urban qualities, offers a surrounding area with a high quality of leisure activities.

What skills and interests should I have?

We expect curiosity about the spatial processes taking place in the world, from local to global – directly affecting your everyday reality to concepts that describe the observed processes on a global level. Solution-oriented critical thinking, an interest in natural sciences and social sciences, and good spatial awareness are advantageous. A basic knowledge of English is recommended but does not need to be proven. Even if you have not taken geography as an advanced or basic course, it is possible to catch up on the content in the first two semesters. JLU offers preparatory courses in which you can refresh your knowledge before starting your studies. This ensures that you are optimally prepared for your studies.

The curriculum is divided into a 2-semester introductory phase, a 3-semester core phase and a final semester:
The first year of studies (semesters 1+2) allows for basic lectures generating a sufficiently broad foundation for the following project study phase (semesters 3 to 5).

The core of the "Giessen Bachelor Model" is formed by the six project modules to be done in semesters 3 to 5, each with 9 credit points. Each project module is a content-integrated course with the aim of promoting individual acquisition of methodological knowledge and skill, which consists of

• an introductory, content-based class (module block 1).
• a methodological block (module block 2). The methodological block, e.g. Statistics for Geographers or GIS or Laboratory Methodology, deals with the basics of each method and explains these, using an example of their application from the subject of the relevant class.
• a practical class (module block 3) in which individual tasks are dealt with using the methods and content that have been learned, with learners working individually and on their own responsibility
•  a term paper and a presentation.

The project modules of this pattern belong to the group in the 3rd and 4th semesters (basics), those for advanced learners (4th and 5th semester) as well as on-site and excursion modules. Project modules offer the possibility of integrating knowledge from the minor subjects in the topic being dealt with individually, the presentation and the term paper.

The modules of the introductory phase

Core phase

In the 3rd, 4th and 5th semesters the project-based studies follow. 2 project modules must be done each semester and each project must have a volume of 9 CP.

For example, project modules can deal with the following topic areas:

• Teaching and study projects with an excursion or mainly in the area of geologic field work; Examples include excursions to Upper Franconia, Lake Constance, the Alpine region or Greece, with a focus on both human and physical geography;
• Teaching and study projects on current topics such as ‘The  traffic experiment in Giessen’ or ‘Spatial aspects of energy transformation’ or ‘Vegetation in transition – GIS-supported satellite image analysis’;
• Basic climate geography project ‘Weather analysis and weather forecasting’;
• Advanced economic geography project ‘Entrepreneurial location selection’;
• Physical geography project ‘Natural events, natural hazards and natural disasters in North America’;

The module ‘Project Management’ (3 CP) is completed alongside the first projects.

Final phase

In the 6th semester or, if wished, at an earlier point in the course, a vocational training of 11 weeks (15 CP) is completed. Studies are then completed with the Bachelor's thesis (12 CP) and a parallel seminar (3 CP).

Modules in one big or two small minor subjects (36 CP for the "big minor subject" and 18 CP for the "small minor subject") and in electives (AfK - 6 CP) will be distributed over the course (about 10 CP per semester).

Possible minor subjects are:

• public law
• economics: business administration, economics, economy or economics with the emphasis on transformational economics
• political science
• sociology
• agricultural economics
• environmental management

Other minor subjects to the extent of 18 CP can be approved on request.

Bachelor's Thesis

In the thesis the students are to demonstrate that they are able to work independently for a limited period on a concrete, clearly defined topic and to present this work to teachers and fellow students.

Practical application

In the 6th semester or, if wished, at an earlier point in the course, a vocational training of 11 weeks (15 CP) is completed.

Examination and study regulations

Special Regulations (with module descriptions and module plans)
General Regulations for Bachelor's and Master's programmes

Please note that only the German version of the regulation is official and legally binding. The English version is for informative purposes only.

Courses offered in the course catalogue

Electronical course catalogue (in German)

Study programme flyer

B.Sc. Geographie (PDF in German)

Accreditation

The programme has been accredited since 18 August 2008.

Links

Faculty 07 – Mathematics and Computer Science, Physics, Geography
Faculty 07's Deanery
Examinations office of Natural Sciences
Student representatives

Bachelor's Degree Programmes of Faculty 07

Advanced Materials
Angewandte Informatik / Applied Computer Science
Angewandte Mathematik / Applied Mathematics
Angewandte Physik / Applied Physics
Data Science
Geographie / Geography
Mathematik / Mathematics
Physik / Physics
Physik und Technologie für Raumfahrtanwendungen / Physics and Technology for Space Travel Applications

Are you still not entirely sure whether the course of study is the right one for you? We support you with a wide range of information, events and advisory services around your study orientation and choice. For example, experience real university atmosphere at our Hoch­schul­informations­tagen (HIT) and the Open Campus Day!

Study orientation

To help you get off to a good start with your studies, we warmly invite you to attend our orientation events. Here you will learn
everything you need to know about starting your studies:

• creating a course schedule,
• examination regulations and registration deadlines,
• campus areas and leisure activities,
• and much more.

At the same time, you will have the opportunity to get to know your future fellow students.